Chronic Pain
February 10, 2020
Pain is as Individual as The Person Experiencing It
Pain means different things to different people, in different contexts, and based on different experiences. Acute, short-lived pain following a traumatic injury, in many cases heals. The pain that becomes increasingly hard to live with and manage, is the pain that has persisted month after month and often year after year, particularly when the source often can’t be diagnosed.
Living with chronic pain is almost a disease Its self. It slowly and progressively eats away at you, your
confidence, self- worth, and independence. It can consume your life and thoughts, often alienating you from your friends and family even your workplace. Living with pain is exhausting, lack of sleep, anxiety and depression often go hand in hand with pain, which in turn can lead to anger and frustration and problems with your relationships at home and with yourself.
And the physical pain can stop you from doing things you love, like taking walks, playing sports and socializing, which also has an impact on your mental health. You know the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”, well we believe it takes an army to survive and thrive with chronic pain. Although it’s important that you are in control and are the driver of your pain management, it would be unrealistic to assume you can do this alone. You need the support of friends and family, work colleges or associates and pain specialists
and therapists.
Physiotherapists are experts in handling pain, finding the source of the pain and treating your body holistically. Physical therapy can be very beneficial in managing chronic pain by promoting joint movement, using exercises to reduce stiffness and improve muscle strength – all of which can reduce your pain and improve your mobility which may help with daily activities. Specific nerve mobility treatments can help reduce sensitivity to pain and massage has always been a trusty stalwart as it reduces stress and anxiety as well as pain.
This month we’ve put together a range of resources that can help you learn to manage this pain, whatever pain level you’re at.
We have leaflets on the following topics:
- The Strain of Pain: Dispelling the myths behind chronic pain with strategies for managing your pain
- Understanding Chronic Pain
- Skills to Cope with Chronic Pain
- How Physical Therapy Can Help You if You Suffer from Chronic Pain
- How Pain Affects Your Life (infographic)
- Relaxation for Chronic Pain (exercise handout)
- Building Activity into Your Everyday Life If You Suffer from Musculoskeletal Pain
- Chronic Pain: Tips for Managing Activity Levels
These resources are packed with practical tips and advice, along with worksheets, exercise leaflets and infographics that combine to help you master your chronic pain.
You can download the resources here http://bit.ly/34P8hwe
If you’re living with pain on a regular basis, there are many ways we can help so if you need advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.And if you know anyone who could benefit from any of these resources, please feel free to share this blog post with them.
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Tennis elbow—clinically known as lateral epicondylitis—is a common condition that affects thousands of people each year, not just tennis players. It’s caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, particularly where they attach to the outside of the elbow. At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Northwich, Cheshire, we specialise in treating tennis elbow with evidence-based physiotherapy to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. If you’re struggling with persistent elbow pain, weakness, or difficulty with daily tasks like lifting a kettle or gripping objects, you may be dealing with tennis elbow. The good news? With the right treatment and guidance, it’s highly treatable—and that’s where we come in. ⸻ What Is Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that leads to pain and inflammation of the tendons joining the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of your elbow). The condition is commonly linked to repetitive wrist and arm movements—not just from racquet sports, but also from tasks such as: • Typing or mouse use • DIY or gardening • Lifting heavy objects • Repeated gripping or twisting motions Despite its name, most people who get tennis elbow don’t play tennis. ⸻ Symptoms of Tennis Elbow The most common symptoms of tennis elbow include: • Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow • Discomfort when lifting or gripping objects • Wrist weakness, especially when trying to extend the wrist • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest Left untreated, tennis elbow can become a chronic condition, interfering with work, sport, and day-to-day life. ⸻ What Causes Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow is typically caused by repetitive stress and overloading of the extensor tendons of the forearm—especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Repeated strain leads to tiny microtears in the tendon, causing pain, inflammation, and a breakdown of tissue over time. Risk factors include: • Poor technique in sports or activities • Weak grip or forearm strength • Inadequate warm-up or recovery • Age (most common in adults aged 35–55) ⸻ Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow in Northwich At Weaver Physio, our experienced team provides tailored physiotherapy for tennis elbow to address not just the pain but the root cause of the problem. Here’s how we help: 1. Comprehensive Assessment We start with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history, posture, biomechanics, and activity levels. This helps us confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions such as golfer’s elbow or nerve entrapment. 2. Hands-On Treatment Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilisation help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing in the affected tissues. 3. Exercise Rehabilitation Rehabilitation is key. We design a progressive exercise program focused on: • Eccentric strengthening of the forearm muscles • Improving grip strength • Enhancing flexibility and mobility of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder • Gradual return to normal activities and sport 4. Shockwave Therapy We’re proud to offer Shockwave Therapy in Northwich—an advanced, non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing response and promotes tendon repair. It’s ideal for chronic or stubborn tennis elbow and has high success rates in clinical studies. 5. Ergonomic and Activity Advice We’ll help you identify and modify any aggravating activities—whether it’s your desk setup, gardening tools, or gym form. By reducing repetitive strain, we can fast-track your recovery. ⸻ How Long Does It Take to Recover? With the right physiotherapy treatment, most people recover from tennis elbow in 6–12 weeks, although chronic cases may take longer. The key is early intervention. The sooner you start treatment, the faster and more complete your recovery is likely to be. ⸻ When to Seek Help If you’ve had elbow pain for more than a few weeks, or if it’s impacting your daily life, it’s time to get it assessed by a physiotherapist. You should especially seek help if: • Your grip feels weak • You’re avoiding activities you enjoy • The pain is worsening or not improving • You’ve already tried rest, ice, or anti-inflammatories without relief At Weaver Physiotherapy in Northwich, you don’t need a GP referral to start treatment. We offer direct access and can usually book you in the same week. ⸻ Preventing Tennis Elbow Prevention is always better than cure. Whether you’re returning to sport, starting a new job, or just want to avoid future flare-ups, here are some tips: • Warm up and stretch before activities • Use proper technique and ergonomic tools • Strengthen your forearm muscles • Avoid overloading or sudden increases in activity • Listen to your body—rest if symptoms start Our physios can guide you through preventive strategies tailored to your lifestyle and goals. ⸻ Why Choose Weaver Physio? At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we’re trusted by clients across Cheshire for expert treatment, clear advice, and personalised care. ✔️ Experienced MSK physiotherapists with sports injury expertise ✔️ On-site Shockwave Therapy for stubborn tendon problems ✔️ Individualised rehab plans—not one-size-fits-all sheets ✔️ Friendly clinic environment in the heart of Northwich ✔️ Same-week appointments and no long NHS waitlists Whether you’re a busy parent, an active runner, or someone who types all day at a desk, we’ll help you recover quickly and get back to doing what you love—pain-free. ⸻ Book Your Tennis Elbow Assessment Today Don’t let tennis elbow keep you from your favourite activities. Get expert help at Weaver Physio and start your recovery journey today. 📞 Call 01606 227484 📍 Visit us in Northwich, Cheshire 🌐 Book online at http://weaverphysio.com ⸻ #TennisElbow #ElbowPain #WeaverPhysio #NorthwichPhysiotherapy #ShockwaveTherapy #SportsInjuryClinic #CheshirePhysio #ManualTherapy #TendonPain #RehabForTennisElbow #PainRelief #PhysiotherapyWorks #SportsPhysioNorthwich #ForearmPain #ElbowTreatmentCheshire #WorkplaceInjury #OveruseInjury #TennisElbowTreatment #HandsOnPhysio #WeaverPhysiotherap
What Is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a long-term, chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. Unlike injuries such as sprains or bruises, fibromyalgia pain doesn’t stem from any visible damage. Instead, it’s believed to involve how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals—making the nervous system more sensitive to even mild stimuli. At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Northwich, we see many patients who describe the pain as a persistent, dull ache that affects both sides of the body and areas above and below the waist. But fibromyalgia isn’t just about pain—it’s also deeply associated with extreme fatigue, which often feels like the all-encompassing exhaustion experienced during the flu. This isn’t tiredness that improves with rest; it’s a draining, lingering fatigue that makes even everyday tasks feel overwhelming. In addition to pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia can cause symptoms such as: • Fibro fog – problems with memory, concentration, and focus • Mental haze, difficulty processing tasks, or forgetting simple things • Overlapping symptoms often confused with arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome Because fibromyalgia mimics many other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult. This makes it essential to seek assessment from qualified professionals like our team at Weaver Physio, where we understand the nuances of complex pain conditions. Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, research suggests a combination of genetics, infections, trauma, and long-term stress may be involved. The positive news? With the right physiotherapy, education, and support, many people lead active, fulfilling lives. ⸻ History and Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Though the symptoms of fibromyalgia have been noted for centuries in medical history, the condition was only formally named in the 1970s, combining Latin and Greek words to describe fibrous tissue and muscle pain. Since then, awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia have evolved. Once thought to be solely about tender points, it’s now recognised as a complex chronic pain syndrome affecting the nervous system, muscles, mood, and energy levels. Today, fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 25 people. It can impact anyone, but it is most frequently diagnosed in women aged 30 to 60. This widespread prevalence highlights the need for increased awareness, better access to treatment, and professional guidance from trusted providers like Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Northwich. ⸻ How Fibromyalgia Affects the Body Fibromyalgia isn’t limited to pain—it influences many body systems and daily functioning. Here’s a breakdown of how fibromyalgia may impact those living with it: ✅ Widespread Pain This is the hallmark of fibromyalgia. The pain is often described as deep, aching, burning, or throbbing and may vary in intensity day to day. It can be aggravated by stress, activity, or even changes in weather. ✅ Debilitating Fatigue Unlike ordinary tiredness, fibromyalgia-related fatigue doesn’t resolve with sleep. It can make simple daily activities—like walking, cooking, or working—feel exhausting. ✅ Sleep Disturbances Despite feeling tired, many sufferers struggle with falling or staying asleep. Sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome or sleep apnoea are also common, making recovery from fatigue difficult. ✅ Cognitive Fog (“Fibro Fog”) A frustrating symptom for many, this involves trouble concentrating, organising thoughts, and remembering details. It can feel like a mental cloud interfering with daily productivity. ✅ Digestive Upset Fibromyalgia is frequently linked with gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, constipation, gas, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). ✅ Sensory Sensitivities Many patients report being unusually sensitive to light, sound, temperature changes, or touch. Even normal sensations can feel overwhelming. ✅ Mood Disorders Living with chronic pain can affect mental health. Anxiety, mood swings, and depression are common among those managing fibromyalgia, due to both neurological and emotional impacts. ✅ Morning Stiffness Like arthritis, fibromyalgia can cause stiffness on waking, making it difficult to get moving in the mornings. This may last from several minutes to several hours. ⸻ We’re Here to Help at Weaver Physio Understanding how fibromyalgia affects the body is essential for both patients and their families. At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we treat more than just symptoms—we treat the whole person. We provide: • Targeted hands-on therapy to ease soft tissue tension • Graded exercise programs designed for fatigue-sensitive conditions • Education and lifestyle support to help you manage pain and pacing • Expert diagnosis and referrals for comprehensive care If you or someone you know is dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms, you are not alone. Our Northwich team is here to provide understanding, expert care, and a structured plan to help you regain control of your health and movement. 📞 Contact us today at 01606 227484 🌐 Visit http://www.weaverphysio.com to learn more ⸻ #FibromyalgiaSupport #ChronicPainRelief #FibroFog #WeaverPhysio #NorthwichPhysio #FibromyalgiaTreatment #FibromyalgiaAwareness #WidespreadPain #FatigueRelief #SleepSupport #FibroRecovery #MoveBetterLiveBetter #CheshirePhysiotherapy
